Associate Director, Development, Major Gifts, SCOL

Socket.dev; Denver (CO); On-site; CAD 154,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law is seeking an Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts. This frontline fundraiser will build philanthropic support for the law school and engage a broad donor base.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, you will manage a portfolio, qualify and solicit donors, and work with faculty to translate priorities into compelling giving opportunities. A legal background is not required.

Qualifications

• Experience building and managing donor pipelines and major gift programs.
• Proven ability to develop tailored asks and move donors through the pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects; qualifiy, cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
• Collaborate with Dean, faculty and colleagues to align priorities with fundraising opportunities.
• Lead strategic donor engagement and co-create gifts and deferred giving opportunities.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Communication

Strategic planning

Job description

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University, a designation recognizing the highest level of research activity among U.S. institutions.

At DU, we approach higher education with the confident optimism and pragmatic independence that define the Rocky Mountain West. It sets us apart. We’re preparing students to become the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. As a top-tier private R-1 institution, we are dedicated to making the world a better place –contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

About DU Advancement

DU Advancement drives meaningful connections and partnerships to support DU’s mission of advancing the public good. By championing philanthropy, engaging alumni, and fostering collaborative initiatives, we empower innovation, inspire transformation, and showcase what DU can do to create positive change in the world.

This spirit is at the heart of The Denver Difference campaign. As DU’s most ambitious campaign yet, we are reimagining what the university experience can and should be. By preparing students for success in all aspects of life, DU is setting a new standard for higher education.

DU Advancement reflects the excellence and innovation of the university itself. Through alumni engagement, development, operations, and communications leadership, we are fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy to support our bold vision for the future.

About the Sturm College of Law

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law, led by Dean Bruce Smith, is a nationally recognized, mission-driven community dedicated to preparing future leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Located in the heart of Denver, the Sturm College of Law is known for its deep commitment to public impact with nationally recognized practical training in trial advocacy, dispute resolution and legal writing, as well as more than 700 externship placements. Across fields that shape everyday life—from housing and business to workplace rights and environmental and natural resources law—faculty and more than 20,000 alumni serve as judges, public officials, nonprofit leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, executives and attorneys across nearly every sector—people deeply invested in the city and region they call home.

The Sturm College of Law offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that shapes students' lives and strengthens communities. Grounded in a mission to advance the public good through scholarship, teaching, and engagement, Sturm College of Law fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where faculty and staff play an essential role in supporting student success and advancing access to justice.

About the Opportunity

The Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, is a frontline fundraiser responsible for building philanthropic support for the Sturm College of Law and the University of Denver. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, the Associate Director will join a collaborative and ambitious five-person advancement team connecting donors with the people, programs and ideas that make the law school a powerful force in Denver and beyond.

The Associate Director will build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects; develop and execute strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors; and raise $500,000-$1,000,000+ annually. The role will place a strong emphasis on qualifying new prospects, creating momentum within the portfolio and developing opportunities for both current and planned gifts.

Working closely with Dean Bruce Smith, faculty and advancement colleagues, the Associate Director will translate academic priorities and community impact into compelling philanthropic opportunities and cases for support. A legal background is not required; success depends on curiosity, strong relationship-building and the ability to connect donor interests with meaningful work. The position will also partner with planned giving colleagues on deferred gifts and gifts of complex